OUCH!!!

During his first State of the Union speech Wednesday, Obama rebuked the Supreme Court for a recent decision that "reversed a century of law to open the floodgates for special interests" and foreign corporations to make unlimited campaign contributions. At that, conservative Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito made a dismissive face, shook his head in disagreement and seemed to mouth the words "not true" as the president spoke.

The promise of spring

On this rainy Monday (Jan. 25) the hope of spring arrived in the form of a press kit from a seed supply company. We get those every now and then.They're nice to look at and they spur thoughts of blooming gardens with photos of things such as seeds for a hummingbird garden, a butterfly garden, rainbow of vegetables ... you get the picture.

Hoping she survives

Time is reflected in this hand. How many stories has she told? We do not know, but hope she lives to tell some more.This AP photo shows an elderly patient rests her hand on a blanket at a nursing home in Port-au-Prince, Thursday, Jan. 21. More than a week after their nursing home partially collapsed, aid is slowly arriving for the dozens of elderly Haitians that were left to fend for themselves after a massive earthquake, according to AP.

Who knew

Happy feet!

It seems that today (Jan. 20) is National Penguin Awareness Day (according to a Google search).

So, celebrate some of the cutest creatures on Earth.

In this AP photo, penguins stroll outside to the delight of visitors to the Saint Louis Zoo Jan. 10, in St. Louis. Keepers walk with the penguins each Sunday in the winter when the temperature outside is below 50 degrees, according to AP.

The tiny victims

Here's only one example of those left motherless.

In this Associated Press photo Red Cross volunteer Jean Zacharie is shown as he delivers first aid to a 1-month old baby whose mother was killed by the earthquake, Friday, Jan. 15, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

BEAUTIFUL!

In this combination of separate photographs, the various stages of an annular solar eclipse are seen over Male, Maldives, Friday, Jan. 15. Thousands of people viewed the spectacle of the eclipse of the sun looking skywards through special filter eyeglasses as the moon crosses its path blocking everything but a narrow, blazing rim of light.

Running with the devil

You devilish you …So Pat Robertson gets on TV and on Wednesday, according to media reports: Robertson said Haiti has been "cursed" because of what he called a "pact with the devil" in its history. His spokesman said the comments were based on Voodoo rituals carried out before a slave rebellion against French colonists in 1791. (AP/01-14-10)Believe what you want, but the Haitian people DO NOT deserve that.For the real explanation about why the earthquake occurred go to http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eqinthenews/2010/us2010rja6/#summaryOfficial site of the US Geological Service. There’s lots of information on the site, so feel free to explore http://www.usgs.gov/

Yummy stuff

Trend spotting

When a year ends and a new one starts there is a lot of talk about trends. Experts talk about things that were popular and look forward at what's they think will be popular in the next 12 months. So there's always a new trend, something new vying for our attention. In the last few years it seems cupcakes made a comeback with businesses sprouting around the country providing new and or revised versions of the popular treat.Well, now it seems is all about doughtnuts -- the designer kind, mind you. Check out Wednesday's (Jan. 13) Lifestyle section for a story looking at what could be one of the new trends.

Acting opportunities and royal delights

Hear ye! Hear ye!

Here's an opportunity for local actors seeking an Elizabethan experience ....

The Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire, in preparation for its 30th performance season of Jousting Knights and Royal Delights, is seeking professional and semi-professional actors, independent performers and stage crewmembers. Auditions are set for Jan. 30 and 31 and Feb. 20 and 21 from 10 A.M. to 5 P.M. on Saturday and Sunday in the Mansion at Mount Hope Estate & Winery in northern Lancaster County. For more check, www.PaRenFaire.com.

MONEY, MONEY, MONEY

It's all about money.Check Monday's (Jan. 11) Lifestyle section of The Reporter for tips on saving money and getting rid of debt. Also, find out about the federal appliance rebate program, check http://energysavers.gov.

Curious about 'Lovely Bones'

Going to the movies

I am planning to attend a press preview of the film "Lovely Bones" tonight (Jan. 7).I have not read the book, yet, so I do not have any expectations other than I hope the film is good.I borrowed a copy of the book and I will try/attempt to read it over the weekend.Have you read the book? The film opens Jan. 15. If you go see it let me know what you think.Check the trailer at www.lovelybones.com

Nothing like music to lift the spirits

On a cold day, or any day, there’s nothing like a noon concert to break the day and lift the spirits. I attended Tuesday’s (Jan. 5) noon concert at St. Luke’s United Church of Christ.

Some 35 or so souls took refuge (and a break) from their daily routines (and the cold). Among them was Ginny Hudnut of Lower Salford who says she loves music and the noontime concert was very convenient. “An opportunity to hear great music,” she said.

The first in the January Tuesday at Noon Organ Recitals at the North Wales church featured organist Vincent M. Ryan, (seen above) minister of music at Advent Lutheran Church in Harleysville. His program featured holiday-related pieces, as it was still the holidays, he said. And, there was audience participation as he asked the audience to suggest some songs from the hymnal. That was really special, a nice way to cap the season.

There are three more concerts this month. Rudy Lucente, an assistant Wanamaker Grand Court organist performs Jan. 12; Marian Archibald, organist at St. Luke’s UCC, Jan. 19; and Scott Myers, graduate of the Curtis Institute and The Julliard School, Jan. 26. The church is at 125 N. Main St., North Wales. There is parking behind the church and there is public parking nearby. The concerts are free.